Options Warrington & Halton Autumn 2020

OPTIONS A guide to care and independent living

Warrington & Halton

Leaving hospital

Autumn 2020

FREE

guide

What’s next?

NHS continuing healthcare Who’s eligible?

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SOCIAL CARE

tips

Healthcare services Choosing the right one

CONTRIBUTORS: Age UK Mid Mersey Alzheimer’s Society Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS FT The NHS Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS FT Warrington Borough Council

Church Lane, Grappenhall, Warrington, WA4 3EP

Tel: 01925 604611

Email: hello@orncare.co.uk www.theoldrectorynursinghome.com

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Contents Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – By working together, we will control the virus and stop its spread............................. 4-5 – We must keep on protecting each other........................................................................... 5 Warrington and Halton Hospitals – Help us to Help YOU ............................................... 6-7 Healthy ageing from Warrington Borough Council – As life expectancy rises, healthy ageing becomes all the more important. Promoting the concept of healthy ageing involves people thinking about a number of key aspects as they get older................... 8-9 NHS continuing healthcare............................................................................................. 10-11 Personal budgets and direct payments.......................................................................... 12-13 NHS-funded nursing care..................................................................................................... 13 Paying for your own care (self-funding)........................................................................ 14-15 Love Later Life with Age UK Mid Mersey..................................................................... 16-17 Alzheimer’s Society Services in Warrington and Halton............................................... 18-19 NHS hospitals and services in Warrington and Halton...................................................... 20 The Care Quality Commission Social Care and GP top tips................................................ 21 Useful contacts..................................................................................................................... 22

Welcome and introduction This guide is intended to help you, your carer and your relatives understand how your local health services can help you after discharge from hospital. Also information to help you to live independently or access support and care services in your area.

Read online

To view this guide online as an interactive ebook visit: http://www.regionalcare.co.uk/options/warrington/autumn2020

Bridgewater Community Healthcare

NHS Foundation Trust

OCTAGON DESIGN & M A R KE T I NG LT D

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By working together, we will control the virus and stop its spread This year has been unlike any other. The coronavirus pandemic has seen Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust strengthen its key services.

Not only have we adopted new ways of working, we redeployed community staff to the front line to ensure our most poorly and vulnerable patients continued to receive the care they needed.

Protecting our staff by providing them with the tools and techniques to effectively treat their patients was at the forefront of our thinking as the country moved into one of the most unprecedented periods of modern times.

Recently we delivered our two millionth item of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the frontline.

Scrubs, gowns, visors, gloves and goggles have now become part of our everyday workwear.

The protection and safety of our staff and patients is one of our main priorities and there’s a great deal you can do to help support us.

As winter approaches and the nights get longer, we’ll be spending more time indoors. This will increase the risk of coronavirus spreading.

Washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser, regularly throughout the day will reduce the risk of catching or passing it on.

Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth reduces the spread 4

of droplets carrying the virus. This means if you have it, you’re less likely to pass it on to others.

and provided many with the means to live in their own homes, nursing and residential homes.

Spreading the virus through droplets is most likely to happen when you are less than 2 metres apart. So when you are with people not from your household, you must keep at least 2 metres apart.

District nursing continued to deliver round the clock care in patients homes, nursing and residential homes. This was strengthened by the skills and knowledge of redeployed colleagues.

This winter, please remember…

Wash your hands, cover your face, make space.

Podiatrists, health visitors, specialist nurses, school nurses, wellbeing staff and administrators have all contributed and continue to do so across Halton and Warrington to provide essential care to some extremely poorly patients.

These are the three most effective ways we can all control the spread of coronavirus.

Back in March, when the countrywide lockdown happened, our staff working in the Integrated Community Discharge Team found themselves at the heart of the health and social care response to free up much needed beds in our busy hospitals.

Safely discharging patients back into the community (or their own home) was instrumental in allowing colleagues in our hospitals to focus on the care of their critical and very poorly patients.

Our Integrated Community Equipment Stores, which provides essential aids and adaptations to some of the most vulnerable in our communities ramped up operations

We have been overwhelmed by the public’s kindness, understanding and generosity during these very challenging months.

Our staff have been clapped in the streets, people have made scrubs and visors. Multi-national companies have delivered drinks, hand creams, chocolates and local businesses have donated breakfasts and lunches.

In August we celebrated with Nursing Associate Chloe Sutton (pictured) who was named one of five Merseyside Women of the Year. Chloe, who works in Halton, was praised for her compassion and generosity.

During the lockdown months it was not unusual to see Chloe taking

Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

milk, bread and toilet rolls in to her patient’s homes! But it was her care for an extremely vulnerable patient that won her the praise of colleagues within health and social care when she changed their circumstances overnight by contacting numerous agencies to provide much needed help and practical support.

As we move to a new normal we are embracing technology where possible. We are using video to help parents assist their children with physical and learning difficulties.

Our physiotherapy teams are also supporting their patients with on-line tools to help with the musculoskeletal issues they face.

Technology isn’t workable for everyone though. We still call at people’s homes, we ring on their telephones to check on their health and wellbeing and we support them with the kindness, compassion and professionalism which has shone through.

To all of you who have supported us during these difficult times. Thank You. We are truly grateful for the consideration you have shown.

By working together, we will control the virus and stop its spread.

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Local residents urged to contact NHS 111 first if they need urgent – but not emergency - NHS care Residents in Halton and Warrington who are in need of urgent – but not emergency care – are now being asked to contact NHS 111 first before travelling to hospital.

This new initiative means patients will be able to get expert health advice and clinical assessment and depending on the individual needs of patients, NHS 111 can book time slots for patients at GP surgeries, NHS Runcorn Urgent Care Centre, NHS Widnes Urgent Care Centre and the emergency department at Warrington Hospital.

This new way of working will support patients to stay as safe as possible during the coronavirus pandemic by managing the number of patients attending services at any one time. It will also ensure patients get the right care, in the right place by signposting to other services and sources of advice and ensuring that patients get the most appropriate care.

Patients with a booked face-to-face time slot will benefit from reduced waiting times and NHS services can help maintain social distancing guidelines in waiting areas further reducing the risk of infection.

Residents who are registered with a local GP practice should continue to contact their surgery online or via 6

phone as usual. Anyone with a lifethreatening emergency should call 999 immediately.

In the coming months this enhancement to the NHS 111 service, which is a national project, will be extended to include the emergency department at Whiston Hospital and other local NHS services.

Clinical Chief Officer of NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Andrew

Davies said: “We are pleased to announce that Warrington has been chosen alongside Blackpool as one of the first areas in the North West to introduce this new and convenient system with other areas across the country following later this year. It will see NHS 111 working closely with hospital departments, urgent care centres, GP practices and other NHS services to ensure that patients get the right care, in the right place at the right time.”

Chief Executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, Professor Simon Constable said: “This new way of working will allow us to more effectively manage the flow of patients through our emergency department which will help reduce waiting times for patients, ease pressures on staff and ensure we are fully prepared for the busy winter period. Social distancing guidelines also mean that we have reduced capacity in our waiting rooms so, by allocating patients a time slot, we can ensure that patients are able to social distance.

“We strongly encourage patients to contact NHS 111 first if they need urgent care. However, it is really important to note that, even if they have not done so, we will always ensure patients receive appropriate care and treatment in the most appropriate setting.”

Help us to Help You

Get the right care in the right place Looking after your own health is especially important in winter.

It is even more vital that we do this during the current pandemic and make the best use of the health services available to us.

Across Warrington and Halton our health services can make sure you get the right care when you need it. These include Urgent Care Centres (UCC) at Runcorn and Widnes.

The Runcorn UCC is located at Halton Hospital and is a 20 minute drive from Warrington Hospital – which also offers a free shuttle bus between the hospitals. Open 365 days-a-year from 8am to 9pm this service offers expert diagnostics and treatment for a wide range of minor illness and injuries. NHS 111 can book appointments, if appropriate.

Please remember your GP is still the best person to contact if you are living with a long-term health condition.

Look after your health

Take these simple steps to look after your health by: • Taking regular exercise outdoors in natural daylight • Getting a good night’s sleep – seven to eight hours a night and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

• Eating a healthy diet – avoid the temptation to fill up on unhealthy comfort food and eating five portions of fruit and veg a day.

• Contact your GP or a pharmacist to get a flu vaccine.

It’s free to those that need it, including people over 65 and those living with heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and COPD. • If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), stay at home and visit www.nhs.uk for advice.

If you are worried about your symptoms or not sure what to do, you can use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or dial 111.

• Please do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy if you have symptoms. For more information visit www.nhs.uk.

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NHS continuing healthcare Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare.

Where can NHS continuing healthcare be provided?

NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.

Am I eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?

NHS continuing healthcare is for adults. Children and young people may receive a “continuing care package” if they have needs arising from disability, accident or illness that can’t be met by existing universal or specialist services alone. Find out more about the children and young people’s continuing care national framework.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team). The team will look at all your care needs and relate them to: • what help you need • how complex your needs are • how intense your needs can be • how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care isn’t provided at the right time Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.

You should be fully involved in the assessment process and kept informed, and have your views about your needs and support taken into account. Carers and family members should also be consulted where appropriate.

A decision about eligibility for a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment.

If you aren’t eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.

If you still have some health needs then the NHS may pay for part of the package of support. This is sometimes known as a “joint package” of care.

Information and advice The process involved in NHS continuing healthcare assessments can be complex. An organisation called Beacon gives free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.

Visit the Beacon website or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300.

NHS continuing healthcare assessments Clinical commissioning groups, known as CCGs (the NHS organisations that commission local health services), must assess you for NHS continuing healthcare if it seems that you may need it.

For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment. However, if you need care urgently – for example, if you’re terminally ill – your assessment may be fast-tracked.

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Initial assessment for NHS continuing healthcare The initial checklist assessment can be completed by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or social worker. You should be told that you’re being assessed, and be asked for your consent.

Depending on the outcome of the checklist, you’ll either be told that you don’t meet the criteria for a full assessment of NHS continuing healthcare and are therefore not eligible, or you’ll be referred for a full assessment of eligibility.

Being referred for a full assessment doesn’t necessarily mean

Full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare Full assessments for NHS continuing healthcare are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of a minimum of 2 professionals from different healthcare professions. The MDT should usually include both health and social care professionals who are already involved in your care.

You should be informed who is co-ordinating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment.

The team’s assessment will consider your needs under the following headings: • breathing • nutrition (food and drink) • continence • skin (including wounds and ulcers) • mobility • communication • psychological and emotional needs • cognition (understanding) • behaviour • drug therapies and medication • altered states of consciousness • other significant care needs These needs are given a weighting marked “priority”, “severe”, “high”, “moderate”, “low” or “no needs”.

If you have at least one priority need, or severe needs in at least 2 areas, you can usually expect to be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

You may also be eligible if you have a severe need in one area plus a number of other needs, or a number of high or moderate needs, depending on their nature, intensity, complexity or unpredictability.

In all cases, the overall need, and interactions between needs, will be taken into account, together with evidence from risk assessments, in deciding whether NHS continuing healthcare should be provided.

The assessment should take into account your views and the views of any carers you have. You should be given a copy of the decision documents, along with clear reasons for the decision.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare decision support tool.

Editorial content supplied by: the NHS

you’ll be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The purpose of the checklist is to enable anyone who might be eligible to have the opportunity for a full assessment.

The professional(s) completing the checklist should record in writing the reasons for their decision, and sign and date it. You should be given a copy of the completed checklist.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare checklist from GOV.UK.

Fast-track assessment for NHS continuing healthcare If your health is deteriorating quickly and you’re nearing the end of your life, you should be considered for the NHS continuing healthcare fast-track pathway, so that an appropriate care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible – usually within 48 hours.

Care and support planning If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.

Depending on your situation, different options could be suitable, including support in your own home and the option of a personal health budget.

If it’s agreed that a care home is the best option for you, there could be more than one local care home that’s suitable.

Your CCG should work collaboratively with you and consider your views when agreeing your care and support package and the setting where it will be provided. However, they can also take other factors into account, such as the cost and value for money of different options.

NHS continuing healthcare reviews If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your needs and support package will normally be reviewed within 3 months and thereafter at least annually. This review will consider whether your existing care and support package meets your assessed needs. If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

Refunds for delays in NHS continuing healthcare funding CCGs will normally make a decision about eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare within 28 days of getting a completed checklist or request for a full assessment, unless there are circumstances beyond its control.

If the CCG decides you’re eligible, but takes longer than 28 days to decide this and the delay is unjustifiable, they should refund any care costs from the 29th day until the date of their decision.

If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, but you’re assessed as requiring nursing care in a care home (in other words, a care home that’s registered to provide nursing care) you’ll be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

This means that the NHS will pay a contribution towards the cost of your registered nursing care. NHS-funded nursing care is available irrespective of who is funding the rest of the care home fees.

Q

I have a local authority support package that works well. I’m now eligible for NHS continuing healthcare – will my support package change?

If you’re concerned about changes to your care package because of a move to NHS continuing healthcare, your CCG should talk to you about ways that it can give you as much choice and control as possible. This could include the use of a personal health budget, with one option being a “direct payment for healthcare”.

Q

Can I refuse an assessment for NHS continuing healthcare? If I refuse, will I be able to get services from my local authority?

An assessment for NHS continuing healthcare can’t be carried out without your consent, so it’s possible to refuse.

However, if you refuse, although you’ll still be entitled to an assessment by the local authority there’s no guarantee that you’ll be provided with services. There’s a legal limit on the types of services that a local authority can provide.

If you refuse to be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare, the CCG should explore your reasons for refusing, and try to address your concerns. If someone lacks the mental capacity to consent to or refuse an assessment, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act will apply and in most circumstances an assessment will be provided in the person’s best interest.

Q

My relative is in a care home and has become eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The CCG says the fees charged by this care home are more than they would usually pay, and has proposed a move to a different care home. I think a move will have a negative effect on my relative. What can we do?

If there’s evidence that a move is likely to have a detrimental effect on your relative’s health or wellbeing, discuss this with the CCG. It will take your concerns into account when considering the most appropriate arrangements.

If the CCG decides to arrange an alternative placement, they should provide a reasonable choice of homes.

Q

Is it possible to pay top-up fees for NHS continuing healthcare?

No, it isn’t possible to top up NHS continuing healthcare packages, like you can with local authority care packages.

The only way that NHS continuing healthcare packages can be topped up privately is if you pay for additional private services on top of the services you’re assessed as needing from the NHS. These private services should be provided by different staff and preferably in a different setting.

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Personal budgets and direct payments You’ll be given a personal budget to spend if your local council decide you’re eligible for help with any social care and support you need. You can request an assessment from the council to establish your needs.

The money in your personal budget can be paid to you, to help you make more decisions about how it’s spent. This is known as a direct payment.

What is a personal budget?

Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need.

The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after a needs assessment to work out: • what kind of care and support you need • how much it will cost • how much you’re able to afford yourself Carers and personal budgets If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.

A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.

How to apply for direct payments You should be offered direct payments as an option after your needs assessment.

You can also ask your local council’s social services department about direct payments.

Choosing how to receive your personal budget

How direct payments work

You can ask the council to either: • manage your personal budget for you • pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider • pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment You can also choose a combination of these options. For example, the council could arrange some of your care but send you the rest of the money. This is often called a mixed package or “mix and match”.

If the council manages your money The money in your personal budget will be spent for you by the council. They will arrange all your care and support based on your agreed care plan.

They still need to check you’re happy with the care they’re arranging for you.

If your money is paid to another organisation The organisation you choose, such as your care provider, will speak to the council and arrange the payments.

Sometimes other organisations charge you extra money to arrange payments from the council.

If you choose direct payments, the council will send you the money in your personal budget by either: • paying it directly into a bank, Post Office, building society or National Savings and Investments account • sending you a pre-paid card You can then choose how you spend the money on your own care and support, as long as it matches the care plan you’ve agreed with the council.

Signing a direct payment agreement The council might ask you to sign a document called a direct payment agreement. This says: • how the council want you to record your spending – for example, keeping receipts • your responsibilities as an employer - if you’re paying for a care worker If you spend direct payments on something that isn’t agreed in your care plan, the council could take the money back or end the direct payments.

If you’re struggling to manage your money Ask your local council for advice or call the Money Advice Service on 0800 138 7777.

If you want someone else to receive the direct payment You could speak to the council and agree for the money to be sent to someone who will spend it for you. For example: • a carer • a friend or family member • someone else who speaks up for you (an advocate) You may need to write down how they will spend the money and which decisions they can make for you. This is known as a decision-making agreement.

The benefits of direct payments Direct payments give you more flexibility over how your care and support is arranged and provided.

For example, you could choose to hire care workers or personal assistants who: • are always the same people and available when you need them • speak the same language as you • have experience working with your care needs • are a specific person that has been recommended to you • can help you get to shops or social events There are many ways you could choose to use the money. It’s your choice as long as you’re spending your personal budget on things that meet your agreed care plan.

Most councils will ask for evidence of how you’ve spent your 12

money every 3 months.

When to consider other options You may decide direct payments are not helpful if: • you’re worried about managing money or the people you employ • you spend a lot of time in hospital • you would rather the council arranged your care If you’re not confident about keeping records or managing the people who care for you, your local council should be able to provide support.

You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member. You’ll need to set up a trust for payments that are managed by someone else.

The Money Advice Service has information about setting up a trust.

Employing your own carer or personal assistant If you decide to hire a carer or personal assistant yourself, it’s important to know the responsibilities you’ll have as an employer.

Although support from the council should be available, you may need to arrange:

Editorial content supplied by: the NHS

• background checks or references • tax • National Insurance • pension contributions Read more about employing someone to work in your home on GOV.UK. Disability Rights UK also have more information on getting a personal assistant.

If you don’t want to become an employer You could choose to hire care workers through an agency instead. This removes the legal obligations of being an employer, but could: • cost you more money • remove some of the benefits - such as having the same person provide your care

How to research a care agency When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with. It’s a good idea to contact more than one agency, as they may offer different types of services.

You can find out about local home care agencies by: • speaking to your local council’s social services department • contacting the UK Homecare Association There are also organisations that inspect care agencies to see how well they are doing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and adult social care in England.

You might see a CQC inspection rating when you search online for care home agencies. Their 4 ratings are: • Outstanding • Good • Requires improvement • Inadequate You could also search for care home agencies on the CQC website to see their full reports.

Telephone helplines If you would like support to help you manage your personal budget or direct payments, speak to your council or call: • the Disability Rights UK personal budgets helpline on 0330 995 0404 • the Age UK advice line on 0800 055 6112 (for older people)

How to complain about personal budgets It’s worth speaking to your council’s social services before making an official complaint to see if they can help.

You still have the right to complain if you: • have been told you’re not eligible to receive money towards your care and support • don’t agree with the amount of money in your personal budget You could either: • speak to your social worker about being re-assessed • call your local council social services and request a complaints form Your council should also have a formal complaints procedure on its website.

If you’re not happy with the council’s response Contact your Local Government Ombudsman. They investigate all adult social care complaints.

More information about personal budgets and direct payments • Age UK have a detailed fact sheet on personal budgets and direct payments in social care • The Money Advice Service has a guide to direct payments

NHS-funded nursing care NHS-funded nursing care is when the NHS pays for the nursing care component of nursing home fees. The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care.

Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?

You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if: • you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse • you live in a nursing home

How will my needs be assessed?

You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHSfunded nursing care.

Most people don’t need a separate assessment for NHSfunded nursing care. However, if you do need an assessment or you haven’t already had one, your clinical commissioning group (CCG) can arrange an assessment for you.

Outcome of the assessment If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided by registered nurses employed by the care home. Services provided by a registered nurse can include planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks, as well as direct nursing care.

If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded nursing care and you don’t agree with the decision about your eligibility, ask your CCG to review the decision.

The cost of NHS-funded nursing care NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. In April 2018, the rate was set at £158.16 a week (standard rate).

Before October 1 2007, there were 3 different levels or bands of payment for NHS-funded nursing care – low, medium and high.

If you moved into a care home before October 1 2007, and you were on the low or medium bands, you would have been transferred to the standard rate from that date.

If you moved into a care home before October 1 2007, and you were on the high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate. In April 2018, the higher rate was set at £217.59 a week. You’re entitled to continue on this rate unless: • you no longer have nursing needs • you no longer live in a care home that provides nursing • your nursing needs have reduced and you’re no longer eligible for the high band, when you would change to the standard rate of £158.16 a week, or • you become entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead 13

Paying for your own care (self-funding) You will not be entitled to help with the cost of care from your local council if: • you have savings worth more than £23,250 • you own your own property (this only applies if you’re moving into a care home)

Benefits can help with care costs You may be eligible for benefits, like Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which aren’t means-tested.

You can use them to pay towards the cost of your care.

You can ask your council for a financial assessment (means test) to check if you qualify for any help with costs.

Can I avoid selling my home?

You can choose to pay for care yourself if you don’t want a financial assessment.

You won’t have to sell your home to pay for help in your own home.

How to arrange your care as a self-funder

But you may have to sell your home to pay for a care home, unless your partner carries on living in it.

You can: • arrange and pay for care yourself without involving the council • ask the council to arrange and pay for your care (the council will then bill you, but not all councils offer this service and they may charge a fee)

Sometimes selling your home to pay care home fees is the best option.

But there may be other ways to pay care home fees if you don’t want to sell your home straight away.

Find out what care you need

Releasing money from your home (equity release)

Even if you choose to pay for your care, your council can do an assessment to check what care you might need. This is called a needs assessment.

Equity release lets you take money that’s tied up in your home without selling it. It’s available if you’re over 55.

For example, it’ll tell you whether you need home help from a paid carer for 2 hours a day or 2 hours a week and precisely what they should help you with.

But you have to pay interest on the money you take out, which can be expensive.

The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one.

The Money Advice Service has more information on equity release.

Your Number one How much will care cost?

Social care can be expensive. Knowing how much you’ll have to pay will help you budget.

Paying for carers at home A typical hourly rate for a carer to come to your home is around £20, but this will vary depending on where you live.

Having a carer who lives with you costs from around £650 a week. But it can cost as much as £1,600 a week if you need a lot of care.

choice for Mobility & Independent Living Equipment

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SERVI PROVIDE & REPCING AIRS

FRE HOME E ASS

ESSME Rise & Recline Chairs - Stairlifts NTS Adjustable Beds - Continence Pro ducts Daily Living Aids - Powered and Ma nual Wheelchairs Scooters - Bathing

Paying for a care home There are 2 types of care home: • residential homes have staff that help with everyday tasks such as getting dressed and supply all your meals • nursing homes also offer 24-hour nursing care A room in a care home costs: • £600 a week in a residential home

WARRINGTON T: 01925 240064

• £840 a week in a nursing home The price will vary according to where you live and the type of care you need.

For example, serious health problems like dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase the cost.

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Supporting

Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street, Warrington WA5 1BA

www.disabilitypartnership.org

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Renting out your home

Telephone help

You can rent out your home and use the income to help pay your care home fees.

Get advice on paying for care from:

A deferred payment scheme

• Independent Age on freephone 0800 319 6789

A deferred payment scheme can be useful if you have savings less than £23,250 and all your money is tied up in your property.

• the Money Advice Service on freephone 0800 138 7777

The council pays for your care home and you repay it later when you choose to sell your home, or after your death.

Ask your council if you’re eligible for a deferred payment scheme.

You can get more information from: • the Money Advice Service: deferred payment schemes • Independent Age: guide to care home fees and your property

• Age UK on freephone 0800 169 6565

If your savings run out If your savings fall below £23,250, your council might be able to help with the cost of care.

Contact your local council about 3 months before you think your savings will drop to below £23,250 and ask them to reassess your finances.

Councils provide funding from the date you contact them.

You won’t be reimbursed if your savings are less than £23,250 before you contact them.

Get expert financial help

What you can get for free

You can get unbiased expert advice from a specialist care fees adviser.

You might be able to get some free help regardless of your income or if you’re paying for your care.

They’ll help you compare all your options before you decide what’s right for you.

This can include:

Find a specialist care fees adviser in your area with: • PayingForCare, a free information service for older people • the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) on 0333 2020 454

• small bits of equipment or home adaptations that each cost less than £1,000 • NHS care, such as NHS continuing healthcare, NHS-funded nursing care and care after you have been discharged from hospital 15

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...with Age UK Mid Mersey

Age UK Mid Mersey exists to promote the wellbeing of all older people and to make later life an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. We aim to maximise healthy lifestyle and promote positive wellbeing and independence for all older people.

Later life can present a whole range of different decisions, options and challenges, and we have helped many older people to feel safe and secure, to mix with others through a variety of activities, and to feel supported, often through difficult times in their lives.

We do all of this whilst helping celebrate older age with campaigns such as our Respect Campaign #DoYouSeeMe?, launched in collaboration with Halton Borough Council. Whether older people are fit and active and looking for social activities, or more frail and vulnerable and looking for companionship or support, Age UK Mid Mersey

strives to ensure they are not forgotten and that their skills and experience are embraced, enhanced and valued within our communities.

FREE benefits and home energy checks We offer practical support in the home, providing information and advice and maximising income. A great example of this is our delivery of the Eon Warm Homes Programme. The programme enables anyone aged 65+ to sign up for a FREE benefits check and home energy check, which includes FREE installation of energy saving measures designed to make your home warmer and more energy efficient. If you are 65+ and interested in receiving a FREE benefits check and home energy check from Age UK Mid Mersey, phone 0300 003 1992.

Social Prescribing As an Age UK brand partner, we are proud to be part of a national Prosper Research Programme. This research aims to look at social prescribing and how this can help

www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey

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improve individual’s health and wellbeing. Age UK Mid Mersey will be working with five identified GP surgeries in Warrington to deliver the programme. Patients fitting the research criteria will receive a letter inviting them to take part and participation will include the offer of FREE support from Age UK Mid Mersey tailored to the patient’s needs and focused on their wellbeing.

Warrington Tea Dances In Warrington, our popular tea dances are run by a team of dedicated volunteers who ensure everyone is made to feel welcome, included and, most importantly, has a good time. They’re a great way to meet people, make friends and keep active in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The Afternoon Tea Dance is normally held every Monday (excluding bank holidays) at the Pyramid, Warrington from 1pm – 4pm. Although they are currently suspended due to the Covid19 pandemic, we are hoping to be back up and running soon, so keep an eye on our social media pages on Twitter and Facebook to find out more.

Age UK Mid Mersey is an independent, registered charity working with and on behalf of older people in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington. If you’re interested in finding out more about the work we do, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey.

www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey

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United Against Dementia Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support, help and advice.

Dementia Connect Dementia Connect, from Alzheimer’s Society, is a new personalised support service for anyone with dementia, their carers, families and friends.

We understand that dementia affects everyone differently. So whether you, a loved one, a friend or neighbour needs dementia support, we’re here for you.

We’ll connect you to a whole range of dementia support, by phone, online and face to face. So you’re only one call away from someone who gets it.

One click away from answers. One conversation away from help.

It’s free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with our Dementia Advisers.

They will offer you the support you need, from local help to telephone and online advice. Whether it’s advice on legal documents, help understanding dementia, or someone to talk to when things get tough, we’re here to help.

Online support

We can keep in touch with you to make sure you keep getting the support you need. And because we know it’s never easy to tell your story, you’ll only ever need to tell it to us once.

Dementia Connect online support is available round the clock through our website. Answer a few simple questions about yourself, or someone you know, to get personalised, relevant information and advice.

Phone support

‘The Dementia Adviser was lovely and full of information.

Without Alzheimer’s Society and the Dementia Adviser we’d have nothing. She is a major networker and knows everything and everyone local, I feel in charge and empowered.’ Katherine, living with dementia

Our Dementia Advisers are available to talk to on the phone seven days a week. They will listen and give you the support and advice you need, including connecting you to help in your local area and online support and information.

We can offer you the option to receive regular calls from us so we

Support line opening hours* Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5.00pm Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

*Calls charged at standard local rate.

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can keep in touch, to find out how you are and offer advice and support when things change.

From guides on dementia to advice on making your home dementia friendly, get the information about the things that matter to you.

If you need further support, you can request a call from our Dementia Advisers, who should be in touch with you within a week. Our online support includes Talking Point, our online

community where you can connect with others in a similar situation, and our Dementia Directory where you can search for local services.

Face to face support Once social distancing measures allow, our local Dementia Advisers can meet you to offer further support, advice and information face to face, from someone who understands what you’re going through. They will also connect you to other face to face services in your area, including local support groups.

Fundraising Our dementia support services are made possible thanks to generous donations from the public. However, as a result of coronavirus, we expect to lose up to half our income this year, at a time when people with dementia need us more than ever. To find out about fundraising or to donate, please visit alzheimers.org.uk Notes: Dementia Connect phone and online support is available wherever you live. As the service is new, some parts of the service may not be available in your area just yet.

Walk your own way to help beat dementia With the Coronavirus pandemic bringing large fundraising events to a halt, Alzheimer’s Society is seeking to replicate 2019’s Memory Walk success with hundreds of smaller walks.

This year’s Santander-sponsored Memory Walk is free to sign up.

Choose where you want to walk and who with – in line with Government guidelines – between now and October. Sign up now at:

memorywalk.org.uk TV presenter and Alzheimer’s Society supporter Ruth Langsford is urging people to step out in support of the charity.

“I’ve taken part in Memory Walks for the past nine years.

I’ve walked with my mum, with Jack, with friends and for the last eight years with Maggie, my rescue dog.

“This is such a difficult time for everyone.

Alzheimer’s Society provides essential support to those who need it most and have already adapted most face-to-face services to telephone-based assistance.

“That is why I am asking you to sign up to Memory Walk this autumn, help us help those people who are already at heightened risk of social isolation and loneliness - feel more connected.

I really hope you can get involved so we can raise the funds needed for everyone we love.”

Get in touch If you are affected by dementia and would like information and support, contact our Dementia Connect Support Line: T: 0333 150 3456 W: alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect E: dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk

Registered office: 43-44 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2AE. Registered charity no. 296645. A company limited by guarantee and registered in England no. 2115499

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NHS hospitals and services in Warrington

and Halton

Bridgewater Community Healthcare

NHS Foundation Trust

Bridgewater Community NHS Foundation Trust, Europa Point, Europa Boulevard, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 7TY

The Mansion House, Victoria Park, City Road, St.Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752 644

Glazebury

Culcheth

Bridgewater Community Healthcare

NHS Foundation Trust

Widnes Walk In Centre, Healthcare Resource Centre, Caldwell Road, Widnes WA8 7GD (not 24hrs)

Croft Winwick

Burtonwood

Risley Birchwood

Second Floor Office, Tannery Court, Tanners Ln, Warrington WA2 7NR. Tel: 0151 4208010

WARRINGTON

Great Sankey

Lymm

Runcorn Office: 44 Church St, Runcorn, WA7 1LR. Tel: 01928 575 400

Walton Higher Walton

Widnes Moore

Appleton

Keckwick Hale

Daresbury

Runcorn

HALTON

Hatton

Stretton

Contact Warrington, 26-30 Horsemarket Street, WA1 1XL Tel: 01925 443322

Preston Brook Sutton Weaver

Dutton

Warrington Hospital, Lovely Lane, Warrington WA5 1QG – (A&E).

Tel: 01925 635911 Cheshire and Merseyside Treatment Centre Earls Way Runcorn WA7 2HH. Tel: 01928 701777

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Halton General Hospital, Hospital Way, Runcorn WA7 2DA. Tel: 01928 714567 Runcorn Urgent Care Centre (located at Halton Hospital) not 24hrs

The locations on the map indicate where services operate out of.

The Care Quality Commission is here to make sure health and adult social care services including hospitals, home and residential care as well as GPs in England provide people with safe, effective, high-quality care.

We publish independent inspection reports and ratings about services – information you can use when you’re choosing care for yourself, or a loved one.

You can use our website to search for services you might be interested in by geographical area, or by specialism. For example, a care home that might offer specialist care for someone who has dementia.

We also welcome your feedback on the care you have received – good or bad. We use this information to help inform our inspections and can alert authorities including local social services, if there are safeguarding concerns about care being provided.

You can visit our website at www.cqc.org.uk to find our inspection reports, or share an experience of care. You can also call us to share an experience of care on 03000 61 61 61.

Here are some tips to help you choose your care.

Social care Top tips 1

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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) registers all care homes and home care agencies. You can find out which ones support specific groups of people, such as people with a learning disability or those living with dementia.

CQC’s Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe always uses ‘The Mum Test’: is a care home safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led? In other words, is it good enough for my Mum (or anyone else I love and care for)?

Look for care homes and home care agencies where the staff involve people who use services and their families and carers, and treat individuals with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

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Whether you are being cared for in your own home or in a residential setting, the staff looking after you need to be skilled, kind and supportive. They should also be capable and confident in dealing with your particular needs. You should always feel that their support is helping you to live the life you want to.

A care home will be a home for you or your loved one. Residents should be treated as individuals with their likes and dislikes taken into account.

Think about whether a home is close enough to family, friends, and community facilities.

Look at how well-led and managed a home is. What does it have in place to ensure that it delivers high quality care? Does it promote meaningful activity and connect the home with the community?

If you or a loved one needs help with day-today care, you can contact your local council’s social services department. They will ‘make an assessment of your needs’ and depending on circumstances, may be able to help you access financial help. For more advice visit Age UK’s website www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care.

If you would like to organise your care yourself, you can find a care worker or personal assistant through an agency. Your local social services department should be able to provide details of approved agencies.

CQC’s ratings will identify services as:

Outstanding H Good ● Requires improvement ● Inadequate ● This will help you make informed choices around your care.

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Safeguarding adults who receive social care is everybody’s business. If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one receiving care, contact the service provider in the first instance. You can also contact social services at your local council. If you feel a crime has been committed, contact the police.

You can share your safeguarding concerns with us on our website or contact our National Customer Services on 03000 616161.

The Care Quality Commission has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does the Care Quality Commission endorse any of the products or services.

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Useful contacts A

C

Action on Elder Abuse 080 880 88141 We work to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults.

Action on Elder Abuse, PO Box 60001, Streatham SW16 9BY I www.elderabuse.org.uk I enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 Cruse Bereavement Care is here to support you after the death of someone close. I www.cruse.org.uk I helpline@cruse.org.uk

Admiral Nurses 0800 888 6678 This helpline has been set up to provide people with an opportunity to talk through their worries and concerns about themselves, friends or relatives with dementia. The lines are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 9pm. Callers can leave a message any time and request a call back.

I www.dementiauk.org I helpline@dementiauk.org

Disability Service Centre Get advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.

I www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline

Age UK Mid Mersey 01744 752 644 The Mansion House (Head Office): The Mansion House, Victoria Park, St Helens, WA10 2UE. I Tel: 01744 752 644 I Email: enquiries@aukmm.org.uk Runcorn Office: 44 Church St, Runcorn, WA7 1LR. I Tel: 01928 575 400 I Email: enquiries@aukmm.org.uk I www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey Alzheimer’s Society – Warrington 0151 420 8010 Second Floor Office, Tannery Court, Tanners Ln, Warrington WA2 7NR I www.alzheimers.org.uk

B Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Halton Clinics: Beaconsfield Primary Care Centre – Bevan Way, Peelhouse Lane, Widnes WA8 6TR Tel 0151 424 3986; Castlefields Health Centre – The Village Square, Castlefields, Runcorn WA7 2ST Tel: 01928 566671; Chapelfield Clinic – Wilsden Road, Off Liverpool Road, Widnes WA8 7XS Tel: 0151 495 5200; Hallwood Health Centre – East Lane, Hallwood, Runcorn WA7 2UT Tel: 01928 593402; Halton Independent Living Centre – Collier St, Runcorn WA7 1HB Tel: 01928 582920; Health Care Resource Centre Widnes – Oaks Place, off Caldwell Rd, Widnes WA8 7GD Tel: 0151 495 5000; Mill Brow Health Centre – Millbrow, Widnes WA8 6RT Tel: 0151 495 5264; Murdishaw Health Centre – Gorsewood Lane, Runcorn WA7 6ES Tel: 01928 842829; St Pauls Health Centre – High Street, Runcorn WA7 1AB Tel: 01928 564612; Widnes Urgent Care Centre – Health Care Resource Centre Widnes, Oaks Place, off Caldwell Rd, Widnes WA8 7GD Tel: 0151 495 5000.

Warrington Clinics: Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre – Legh Street, Warrington WA1 1UG Tel: 01925 843853; Birchwood Clinic – Spencer House, 81a Dewhurst Road, Birchwood, WA3 7PG Tel: 01925 843864; Culcheth Clinic – Jackson Ave, Culcheth WA3 4DZ Tel: 01925 843684; Grappenhall Clinic – Springfield Avenue, Grappenhall WA4 2NW Tel: 01925 867830: Orford Jubilee Park – Jubilee Drive, Orford WA2 8HE Tel: 01925 251463; Penketh Health Centre – Honiton Way, Penketh WA5 2EY Tel: 01925 867930; Westbrook Clinic – Westbrook Medical Centre, 301 – 302 Westbrook Centre, WA5 8UF Tel: 01925 645152; Woolston Clinic – Holes Lane, Woolston WA1 4LS Tel: 01925 867900; Health Services at Wolves – Martin Dawes Stand, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Winwick Rd, WA2 7NE Tel: 01925 251300; Wheelchair Service – 226 Europa Boulevard, Callands, WA5 7TN Tel: 01925 251447

C Citizens Advice Bureau – Halton 0344 477 2121 Widnes Office: Unit 3, Victoria Buildings, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 6DJ Runcorn Office: Ground Floor, Grosvenor House, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 2HF I www.haltoncab.org.uk I advice@citizensadvicehalton.org.uk Citizens Advice Bureau – Warrington 0300 3309 091 (calls charged at local rate) The Gateway, 89 Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1SR I www.warrington-advice.co.uk I admin@warringtoncabnet.org.uk Care Quality Commission (CQC) 03000 616161 National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA I www.cqc.org.uk I enquiries@cqc.org.uk

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E Elderly Accommodation Counsel 0800 377 7070 Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) is a national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs. I www.eac.org.uk I info@firststopadvice.org.uk

M Mind (National Association for Mental Health) 0300 123 3393 The leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.

I www.mind.org.uk I info@mind.org.uk

N National Rheumatoid Arthritis 0800 298 7650 Society (NRAS) or 0845 458 3969 Provide information, support and advice for people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I www.nras.org.uk NHS 111

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P Parkinson’s Disease Society I www.parkinsons.org.uk

0800 800 0303

R Royal Osteoporosis Society 0808 800 0035 Advice, information and support group for people with osteoporosis.

I www.theros.org.uk Royal Voluntary Service 0330 555 0310 A volunteer organisation that enriches the lives of older people and their families across Britain. We support older people by giving time and practical help to help them get the best from life.

Royal Voluntary Service, Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RP I www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

S Stroke Association Advice and information for stroke patients and their families.

I www.stroke.org.uk

0303 3033 100

T The Department of Work and Pensions I www.dwp.gov.uk The Pension Service I www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service

W Warrington Borough Council 01925 443322 Contact Warrington, 26-30 Horsemarket Street, WA1 1XL I contact@warrington.gov.uk I www.warrington.gov.uk Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is correct at the time of going to print. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2019/2020. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528 Options Warrington and Halton is published by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd with editorial contributions from Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Warrington Borough Council, the CQC, Age UK Mid Mersey, Alzheimer’s Society and the NHS. The editorial contributors have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor do the editorial contributors endorse any of the products or services.

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Designed & Compiled by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd., Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528